Jul 9th, 2008
On July 9, the United States House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 375, To Honor the Goal of the International Year of Astronomy. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Tucson, Arizona, where the offices of the National Optical Astronomical Observatory are located, was the lead sponsor of the measure. A Concurrent Resolution does not have the force of law, but expresses the sentiment of the House of Representatives. The United States joins many other nations who have passed similar acknowledgements of IYA.“Astronomy seems to capture the imagination of the public more than almost any other discipline of science. Children everywhere gaze with wonder and amazement at the night sky. Images from the Hubble telescope grace the screensavers and wallpaper of our computers”, said Nick Lampson, D-TX, as the House opened debate on the measure. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-FL, echoed his sentiments “The International Year of Astronomy is an effort in which the United States is pleased to take a leading role, and I applaud the efforts of the United Nations and the International Astronomical Union. Therefore, I am pleased to join today with the gentleman from Texas, and I urge all of my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 375.” (View full
resolution here)
